- Austin parks closed on Easter weekend to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and then again a couple of weekends after due to overcrowding, but there was no blanket rule requiring all parks to close.
- Texas's stay at home order expired on April 30, and now three popular Austin parks are now requiring day passes to enter from Thursday through Sunday because of increased outdoor activity amid the coronavirus pandemic.
- Here's how you can make reservations between one and 14 days in advance with Austin's Parks and Recreation Department website. Here's how. Those without access to a device or internet can call 512-974-6797 for assistance.
- I tried to book a spot for myself last week and could only find availability for several weekends away.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Three Austin parks are requiring reservations to enter on Thursday through Sunday each week. A limited number of passes will be available each day.
Source: The City of Austin
The parks, Emma E. Long, Commons Ford, and Walter E. Long, are known for their hiking trails and lake access.
Source: The City of Austin, Time Out, Austin Parks, City of Austin
To reserve a spot in an upcoming weekend at one of these parks, you'll have to go online to the City of Austin website. One person can reserve up to two spots.
Source: The City of Austin
First, search austintexas.gov/parks in your web browser on a smart device, and scroll down to "Parks and Recreation Closure info." Tap or click it.
Source: The City of Austin
There's a May 14 update further down the page detailing the new policy. Click the link in the update that says "online registration system."
Source: The City of Austin
When you get to the online registration page, tap or click "Browse Tickets/Park Entry Day Passes" to get a pass to enter the park on a specific date.
Source: The City of Austin
Once you've done that, you'll be given the option to search for tickets by date.
Source: The City of Austin
The site will then display a list of available tickets from each park. Tap or click add to cart on the park you want to reserve.
Source: The City of Austin
At this point, you'll be asked to log into the side. If you don't have an account with Austin Parks and Recreation, you'll be prompted to create one.
Source: The City of Austin
For your account, you'll need to come up with a username and password.
Source: The City of Austin
You will have to fill out some personal information. The required information to fill out is in red letterings, like your first and last name and address.
Source: The City of Austin
Once you make your account, you'll be asked which day you want to reserve your ticket for, and how many tickets you want. You can reserve a maximum of two tickets.
Source: The City of Austin
At this point, you may be told there are no more tickets available for your selected date. I tried to book some tickets for myself and could only find tickets available for two weekends away.
Source: The City of Austin
If this happens, go back to the previous screen and select another date. Repeat this process until you find an available date.
Source: The City of Austin
Once you find an available date, this screen will pop up with a list of regulations. Scroll to the bottom of it and tap or click "Continue."
Source: The City of Austin
Doing this will add the tickets to your shopping cart.
Source: The City of Austin
Scroll to the bottom of your shopping cart to check out.
Source: The City of Austin
At this point, you'll need to fill out some of your information again.
Source: The City of Austin
After you enter your email address, tap or click "Submit."
Source: The City of Austin
Your pass will be sent to your email address. Print it out and bring it with you to the park.
Source: The City of Austin